“We won’t need to pay for the dance floor,” George scoffed as if he’d suddenly become an expert in special event etiquette. Then he considered the fact that Alexa was a single mother and maybe it would be the polite thing to do, throw in a dance floor. The last wedding he’d attended was a country club affair a decade ago in Ridgewood, New Jersey, for the daughter of a client. He had a vague memory of jumping up and down on the dance floor to “Born to Run.” Honestly, he really had no idea how weddings worked anymore. He hated when Abigail was right. “Let’s hope they have an indoor wedding and there won’t be any tent. Besides, it’s always warm in California, right?”

“I think they have some sort of winter in Montecito. Our friends, if we’re allowed to invite any, won’t travel to Southern California over the holidays. They go skiing in Vermont. Congratulations, a small gesture for a bunch of strangers. We won’t have access to that kind of cash until we sell the house. You better start winning some of these bridge tournaments so we can pay for your small gesture.” She hated speaking like this, hated being this person. But, honestly, what life did he think they were living? Not the one she had married into, that’s for sure.

George was silent as they pulled up to Grand Central. Abigail turned to him as she slid out. “Don’t forget to give the cabbie a huge tip, Diamond George! Or should I say Diamandis George?”

Now the cabbie was fully focused on his passenger. George handed him a twenty and said, “Keep the change.”

From the Desktop of Dearly Beloveds and Betrotheds

Dear B & Bs . . .

Of all the questions that pour into Aunt B’s mailbox, the two areas that modern brides find most vexing are The Dress and The Guest List. Today, we tackle The Dress. My advice below is based on years of tears, tantrums, and taste. The tears and the tantrums from others; the taste is mine.

Let’s get the most common question out of the way up front. Do I need more than one dress for my wedding? No.